Here at Open Road West Norfolk, we’re thrilled to announce a major upgrade to our facilities that reflects our commitment to both innovation and sustainability. Our motor vehicle workshop, part of our state-of-the-art training centre in King’s Lynn, is now home to an environmentally friendly flooring system made from recycled plastic—one of the first of its kind in the UK.

This exciting development was made possible thanks to the expert team at Abacus Flooring Solutions, based in Loughborough. By installing their pioneering Abaplas flooring system, we’ve not only transformed the look and safety of our workshop, but we’ve also played a part in reducing plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfill.

A Sustainable Solution for a Growing Need

Our original flooring, part of the 1970s building, had been painted and repaired so many times over the years that it had finally become unfit for purpose. Faced with the need for a durable and safe surface for our busy workshop, we turned to Abacus Flooring Solutions after a trusted recommendation—and they didn’t disappoint.

The new flooring is made from recycled plastics, replacing traditional materials like silica sand, which require carbon-heavy extraction processes. Incredibly, this innovative system has already saved 5,825 kg of plastic waste from going into landfill. What’s more, using recycled plastic reduces the health risks associated with silica dust, making the space safer for our students and staff.

Flooring That Has ‘Floored’ Us All

When Abacus Flooring Solutions arrived, their team got straight to work, using diamond-tipped grinders to prepare the existing 323-square-meter surface. They then applied a high-quality resin base, followed by a unique finish made from ground recycled plastic. Over the course of just a week, four workers completely transformed our workshop floor.

The difference is truly like night and day. Not only is the floor now safer and more durable, but it also adds a professional, polished look to the space. We’ve already had fantastic feedback from staff, students, and visitors alike. The transformation has given the entire facility a fresh new energy.

Our managing director Martin Slater said: “The transformation is incredible, both in terms of safety and appearance. We’re proud to have a world-first eco-friendly floor that matches our forward-thinking approach to training and community support.”

Leading the Way for the Next Generation

Our new flooring isn’t just a practical improvement; it’s a conversation starter that inspires the young people we work with. Being one of the first training centres in the country to have a floor made from recycled plastic is something our students take pride in. It’s a testament to how forward-thinking solutions can make a real difference, not just to the environment, but to the communities we serve.

A Word of Thanks

We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of this project, and we owe a big thank you to Nick Megson and his team at Abacus Flooring Solutions. Their professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail made the entire process smooth from start to finish.

Nick Megson, managing director at Abacus Flooring Solutions said: “Open Road West Norfolk is such a valuable asset in the local community here.  We wanted to give them a hard-wearing surface which would allow them to continue their work with these young people for many more years to come.”

Finding a firm to complete this work competitively was no easy task, but Abacus exceeded our expectations in every way. Nothing was too much trouble, and the result speaks for itself.

For more information about Abacus Flooring Solutions and their eco-friendly flooring options, visit www.abacusflooringsolutions.co.uk.